Frequently asked questions

As of 1 July 2024, our Signature and Adventure walks will be only available as a 7-day itinerary. This will include a night at Red Feather Inn prior to commencing your walk.

View the new itineraries through the links below:
Cradle Mountain Signature Walk 
Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk 

This night will include:
Accommodation
A welcome dinner with fellow walkers
Walk briefing with your guides
Complimentary breakfast on the morning of your walk

For more information, please contact our team on (03) 6392 2211 or bookings@taswalkingco.com.au

Our Signature walks depart daily from 1 October through to 1 May each season, and our 4-day trips depart on selected dates during the same period.

Adventure walks depart on selected dates between November and March.

Our Expedition walks are only available from June to October.

Please consult our booking calendar for available dates.

Our groups have exclusive use of the only private hut accommodation along the Overland Track.  Each hut has been discreetly located off the main trail and offers hot showers, a drying room and a dining and lounge area.  The huts have 6 twin rooms with comfortable beds.

Each trip requires a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 guests. All accommodation is twin share.

If you book on as a single walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip fills to capacity, you will share a room with another walker. 

As long as you exercise regularly, are capable of walking an average of 10 km for six consecutive days, and are comfortable with varied terrain, you’ll be fine!  For training ideas please refer to the track notes.

There are obviously steep sections and terrain can be quite uneven and slippery under foot, however this is part of the whole experience.

If you are interested in doing more of the side trips (such as Mt Ossa), you may want to partake in extra training to accommodate the additional challenge.

If you are joining an 'Adventure' departure, a higher level of fitness is required, as there will be additional mountain climbs and side trips on most days.

If you have any concerns about fitness, please call 03 6392 2211 and speak with one of our friendly Reservations staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

On the morning of your departure, the guides will carry out a thorough gear check to ensure you have suitable gear and help you reduce pack weight.

If you adhere to our gear list and choose lightweight gear, your pack will likely weigh between 8.5 and 9.5 kg. With special attention to reducing pack weight, your pack and its contents can weigh as little as 7.5 kg. 

The pack and Gore-tex jacket that we provide have a combined weight of 2.5 kg, leaving 5- 7 kg for all your essential gear.

Please note: This weight is based on the recommended water capacity for this walk. If you choose to carry more water, your pack weight will most likely weigh upwards of 9.5 kgs.

Each person must carry their lunch, wet weather gear, spare clothes for the hut, thermals, and warm clothing, plus any extras, such as a camera. For detail please refer to the gear list.

Please refer to the guide below for recommended footwear for this walk.

Download Footwear Guide 

If you have any questions about footwear, please contact our team on (03) 6392 2211 or bookings@taswalkingco.com.au

We strongly recommend travel insurance. Consideration needs to be given to our cancellation policy, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Please see our Booking Terms & Conditions for details and contact us if you have any questions.

Our guides are passionate outdoor enthusiasts, educated interpreters and fantastic cooks all rolled into one. Two knowledgeable guides accompany the Signature and Signature (4-day) departures, with three guides leading guests on 'Adventure' and 'Expedition' departures. This allows plenty of time for interpretation at interesting points along the track, photo opportunities, rest breaks and walking at your own pace.

The guides prepare scrumptious meals each night which are served with a selection of Tasmanian wines. We are quite happy to cater for special dietary requirements. We just need to know in advance.

For example, here is the dinner menu served at Kia Ora Hut on Day 4:

On arrival at the hut:
Grazing plate

Main course:
Forest mushroom and pea risotto with parmesan

Dessert:
Creme Brulee

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk (7-day) & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk (7-day)

ALL SIGNATURE AND ADVENTURE DEPARTURES AFTER 30 JUNE 2024

At the start of your walk: we ask that you be at our walkers' base at our walk base at Red Feather Inn no later than 5:30pm, so you can check in before your walk briefing at 6pm.

The conclusion of your walk: your walk will conclude at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 6pm with airport drop-offs at 6.15pm and Launceston drop-offs at 6.30pm.

 

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk (6-day), Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk (6-day) and Cradle Mountain Signature Walk (4-day)

At the start of your walk: we ask that you be at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 7:00am for a briefing. This allows time for introductions and a gear check before departing for the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. For those staying in Launceston CBD, we offer a complimentary shuttle service from Chalmers Church (5A Frederick St, Launceston). You will need to be ready in front of the church entrance at 6.30am. For those staying at Quamby Homestead, our shuttle will pick you up in front of reception at 6.30am for the 10-minute transfer to our walk base. 

The conclusion of your walk: your walk will conclude at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 6pm with airport drop-offs at 6.15pm and Launceston drop-offs at 6.30pm.

 

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

At the start of your walk: we ask that you be at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 11.30am for a briefing. Our shuttle will collect guests from Chalmers Church (5A Frederick St, Launceston) at 11.10am.  At our walkers' base, you will meet your guides, and have a gear check and briefing. Lunch on day 1 is following gear check and briefing, before heading up to the Cradle Valley. 

The conclusion of your walk: your walk will conclude at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 6pm with airport drop-offs at 6.30pm and Launceston drop-offs at 7pm.

Discover discounts for walkers here: https://www.taswalkingco.com.au/walker-benefits/

Red Feather Inn - our walker base

If you are joining us on a 7-day walk, a night at Red Feather Inn is included prior to commencing your walk. You are unable to book extra nights at the end of your walk. If you are joining us on a walk before 1 July 2024, you have the option to book a night (or two) at Red Feather Inn before or after your walk. 

Red Feather Inn has a range of double and twin heritage rooms and three beautiful cottages which are perfect if you are travelling with friends or family. To see details of the current special rate which includes in-room continental breakfast,  call +61 3 6393 6506 or email innquiries@redfeatherinn.com.au and ask for the Tasmanian Walking company rate.

Quamby Homestead

Set on the grounds of Quamby Estate, Quamby Homestead is the perfect pre or post-night accommodation if you would like a little luxury. The homestead features ten restored guest rooms that feature antique furniture. Rooms are appointed with king, queen or twin bedding, marble or stone bathrooms and heated floors. To see details of the special rate which includes breakfast visit Quamby Homestead and enter promo code TWC.  We will provide a transfer to our walk base for your trip departure on the morning of day one.  If you are staying at Quamby Homestead prior to your walk please email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au to advise so we can ensure the shuttle is organised for you.

Staying in Launceston?

For hotel options in Launceston, please visit our Walker Benefits page for a range of special rates available to our guests. Our shuttle service leaves from out the front of our head office at Chalmers Church at 6:30am. Please notify our team prior to your walk if you wish to use this complimentary service.
bookings@taswalkingco.com.au

The minimum age for guests walking with us is 12 years old.  There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who are 69 or above, we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.